San Francisco United States 4 Day Itinerary

San Francisco 4-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Downtown & Iconic Landmarks

  • Morning:

    • Check-in at the Union Square area (Hotel ZaZa SF, Argonaut Hotel, or Le Meridien San Francisco are good options)
    • Breakfast at Cafe Reveille or Cow Hollow Cafe
    • Visit the Ferry Building Marketplace for local food and artisanal goods

  • Afternoon:

    • Walk to Fisherman’s Wharf (~20 minutes from Union Square)
    • Take pictures at the Ghirardelli Square, Pier 39, and see the sea lions at K-Dock
    • Visit the Aquarium of the Bay or explore Maritime National Historical Park

  • Evening:

    • Dinner at Scoma’s or Alioto’s, two popular seafood restaurants at Fisherman’s Wharf
    • Catch a show at the Golden Gate Theatre or Beach Blanket Babylon

Day 2: Explore Painted Ladies & Golden Gate Park

  • Morning:

    • Breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square or Boudin Bakery (Cable Car location)
    • Ride a historic cable car to Alamo Square Park and see the famous Painted Ladies

  • Afternoon:

    • Enter Golden Gate Park, visit the California Academy of Sciences, De Young Museum, or Conservatory of Flowers
    • Explore the Japanese Tea Garden (additional cost)

  • Evening:

    • Dinner at Rich Table or Zuni Cafe in Hayes Valley
    • Stroll around the Mission District to explore street art and grab a dessert at Bi-Rite Creamery

Day 3: Visit Alcatraz & North Beach

  • Morning:

    • Ferry to Alcatraz Island (reserve tickets online in advance)
    • Lunch at Greens Restaurant on the island or back at Pier 33/Fisherman’s Wharf

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore North Beach, also known as Little Italy
    • Visit Coit Tower and take in views of the city
    • Stroll down Lombard Street (the “crookedest” street)

  • Evening:

    • Dinner at Tony’s or Mama’s on Washington Square in North Beach
    • Enjoy a jazz performance at The Saloon or Jimmy’s Harborside Jazz Bar

Day 4: Explore the Mission District & Farewell

  • Morning:

    • Breakfast at Tartine Bakery or Foreign Cinema in the Mission District
    • Visit the colorful murals around Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley
    • Check out the exhibits at the Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

  • Afternoon:

    • Grab lunch at La Taqueria or Burmese Kitchen before heading to the airport

Things to Know:

  1. Public transportation is provided by Muni, with a variety of buses and trams (including cable cars). The Clipper card can be used for all transit systems in the Bay Area.
  2. San Francisco has a cool and foggy climate year-round. Be sure to pack layers.
  3. Uber and Lyft are popular rideshare services in SF, although taxis are also available.
  4. Don’t forget to try clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl!